Pavee Point is very excited to be working on the first Government commissioned national needs assessment of Roma in Ireland. The assessment will provide a better understanding of the experiences of the Roma community in accessing public services in Ireland. 16 Roma researchers were trained to conduct research with Roma in Ireland. These are some of the voices of the researchers.

This training has been a great uplifting experience and I have learnt new skills. I have trained with a really great group of Roma and I’m very happy to be part of the first group of Roma peer researchers in Ireland. I want to be part of making this change happen for Roma in Ireland, if not for me for the future – Delia, Dublin.

I am very glad to be part of this research because I want Roma to have our voices heard at the highest levels. We have to tackle discrimination. We want to be seen as human beings and not by our stereotypes – Gina, Tralee.

I think it’s important that we are shown in a better light. I hope this research will improve things for our community so that we don’t have to hide who we are. We want to contribute to Irish society – this is our home – Julias, Ennis.

Aims of the research

The Assessment will provide a socio-economic analysis of the situation of Roma in Ireland, using a thematic approach (education, health, housing, employment, domestic violence, child welfare, legal status and community safety) and will make recommendations across Government departments and in relation to service provision for Roma.

It is envisaged that a demographic profile will be provided of Roma in Ireland – including country of origin, family composition, age structure, regional and local areas where Roma live.

The final report will be used to feed into Government strategies.

How

Review of literature relating to Roma in Ireland and internationally;

Quantitative analysis in over 100 Roma households;

Collection of qualitative data through interviews and focus groups with Roma and service providers;

Consultations with other experts in the field;

Why?

In July 2014, the Report of the Inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the removal of two Roma children from their families was published (the ‘Logan Report’). The report recommended that an assessment of need would be undertaken. Following this recommendation the national needs assessment of Roma was commissioned by the Department of Justice and Equality.

Who?

Pavee Point and the Department of Justice and Equality are working collaboratively to steer the research. Pavee Point is managing the research process and working with a principal researcher and peer researchers to complete the project. A research advisory group consisting of representatives from Departments, statutory and civil society organisations, is acting in an advisory capacity to the research.